Seo Kang Jun is proving his worth as a leading man in MBC’s latest primetime offering.
The versatile actor has captivated audiences in just two episodes of the Friday-Saturday drama Undercover High School, portraying Jung Hae Sung, a character who smoothly transitions between a National Intelligence Service agent and a high school student.
In the February 22nd episode, Jung’s mission to recover Emperor Gojong’s gold bullion leads him to infiltrate Byungmun High School’s old building. His covert operation hits a snag when he’s discovered by homeroom teacher Oh Su Ah (Jin Ki Joo), but undeterred, Jung attempts another reconnaissance with his classmate Lee Dong Min (Shin Jun Hang). Adding to the intrigue, school chairman Seo Myung Joo (Kim Shin Rock) monitors their every move via CCTV, setting up compelling developments ahead.
Seo Kang Jun’s commanding performance anchors the series, with his nuanced portrayal bringing credibility to Jung Hae Sung’s complex narrative. The actor delivers catharsis in scenes where he swiftly subdues school bullies while providing comic relief with his exaggerated reactions to school ghost stories. His subtle emotional range particularly shines when expressing disappointment toward bystanders of school violence, striking a chord with viewers.
The show’s success is reflected in its Nielsen Korea ratings, with the premiere episode claiming the top spot in the Friday-Saturday 20-49 demographic. The second episode maintained dominance among all dramas aired that day, early indicators that this could become Seo’s defining work. The widespread praise, encapsulated in viewer comments like “Was Seo Kang Jun always this good?” validates the long wait for his return to television.
>> ‘Undercover High School’: First Look at Seo Kang Joon’s Action-Packed Comeback
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